Slater Tour of Webster

Today there are many reminders of Webster's past as an industrial and textile giant. Many of the streets are lined with mill housing, inexpensive, identical houses built by factory owners like Slater to house their workers; Slater Street, connecting the North and East Villages, is one such street. A look at other buildings will reveal that they were once factories. This evidence of Webster's industrial past may only be evident to the experienced eye, but there are other clues that stand out.

These other reminders are much more obvious. Standing at the intersection of Routes 12, 16, and 193 in the East Village of Webster, there are many clues waiting to be seen. Directly in front you is the site of what used to be the Old Green Mill, which is now Cranston Print Works. A short walk towards Douglas on Route 16, also known as Gore Road, reveals some even more telling signs of what once was. On the right, stands a monument to Slater erected by his great grandchildren, as well as a plaque marking the site of the first Sunday school in Webster. To get to the monument, you will have walked by one of the water control gates and there is another still-operating control gate in front you. A look across the street shows an interesting site--the clock tower from the original Green Mill, complete with a working clock. Next to it is a work bell from one of the other mill buildings at the site, which was torn down in the 1960s.

There are still many signs of Webster's textile history. On the subsequent pages, you will find pictures of the clues I talk about. Each will have a brief description, and clicking on the picture will lead you to a larger version of the same image. I invite you now to take a brief tour with me as we remember what once was.